The Growing Child: 1 to 3 Months

How much will my baby grow?

While all babies may grow at a different rate, the following indicates the average for boys and girls 1 to 3 months of age:

Weight: average gain of about 1 1/2 to 2 pounds each month

Height: average growth of over 1 inch each month

Head size: average growth of about 1/2 inch each month

What can my baby do at this age?

As your baby begins to grow, you will notice new and exciting abilities that develop. Babies at this age begin to relax the tight muscle tone of newborns and begin extending their arms and legs more. While babies may progress at different rates, the following are some of the common milestones your baby may reach in this age group:

Some of the newborn protective reflexes begin to disappear

Neck muscles become stronger, head bobs then is held erect

Turns head from side to side when placed on abdomen

Brings hands or objects to mouth

Looks at hands

Follows light, faces, objects

Listens to sounds

Opens and closes hands

Holds, then drops a rattle or other object

Active leg movements

At the end of 3 months:

Raises head and chest when placed on abdomen

Beginning to reach hands to objects, may bat at hanging object with hands

What can my baby say?

It is very exciting for parents to watch their babies become social beings that can interact with others. While every baby develops speech at his or her own rate, the following are some of the common milestones in this age group:

Begins to imitate some sounds (coos, vowel sounds)

Cries become more purposeful and are different for hunger, fatigue, and other needs.

What does my baby understand?

A baby's understanding and awareness of the world around him or her increases during this time. While babies may progress at different rates, the following are some of the common milestones in this age group:

Knows familiar voices, especially of mother and father

Smiles in response to others

Responds to social contact, may coo

Moves arms, legs, body in rhythm with other's voice

How to help increase your baby's development and emotional security

Young babies need the security of a parent's arms, and they understand the reassurance and comfort of your voice, tone, and emotions. Consider the following as ways to foster emotional security of your newborn:

Hold your baby face to face and make eye contact.

Talk to your baby with a soothing, animated voice throughout the day while dressing, bathing, feeding, or playing with your baby.